Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing

One of the "Party Planner" items Hallmark has issued over the years has been a variety of centerpieces, some of which have featured Disney or Peanuts or other characters. Though I don't know if this is still happening, for many Christmases Hallmark also published a cardboard Nativity scene, such as the one pictured on the left, circa 1980. Though these cardboard creches were undoubtedly used for parties and as decorations, they were also used by poor households who were unable to afford even the most inexpensive figural Nativity. Though I have seen some elaborate and exquisite Nativity scenes in churches, homes and museums, this humble Hallmark somehow seems most appropriate to celebrate the birth of the Child born into poverty. This post is dedicated to my mother and father who, often at sacrifice for themselves, never failed to help someone in need, whether it was Christmas or not. Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad...and Merry Christmas to all.